We have all heard the calls for electoral reforms. Some have prayed for electoral reforms, some asked for international intervention to force electoral reforms, some have threatened opposition boycott and a go to the street approach. Whatever method one can think about, it has already been tried. So far as of yet all have failed miserably.
At this stage it is fair to conclude that Gambian leaders especially the opposition leaders along with their gun-hoo believers that are stuck in the path of election are either delusional or pathological hopefuls. They have managed to convince themselves to believe that the stone statue of President Babili Jammeh will eventually cry only if enough insult and shaming is poured over him. Well, some of us are pragmatic, we are not that gullible, and besides, we have been there, seen it, and done it all over before.
Therefore, nothing will change. President Babili Jammeh at this stage is a full blown dictator, going up and down the evolution chain of dictators from those who came before him, to those in power during his time, and those yet to be in power after him. One constant prevalent to all is their superior instinct and desire for self-preservation.
To highlight and preempt the usual and customary approach of President Babili Jammeh to give a non-impactful or meaningless inch, the usual highly publicized fan fair, through his international publicity mouth piece (GRTS), along with his many proclamations, this time around it will be under the guise of electoral reforms. Yes, to him it is time to give these Gambian backing dogs a bone. Perhaps he might be able to buy 1 or 2 months while they debate and fight about the details because after all, it is just a waiting game, as he strings us all along gullible or not for a joy ride.
So my fellow Gambians, it is time to prepare to go to the streets! Popular uprising is the only known and proven path to success against dictators. The drums beating and preparation for a march on the streets of Gambia must begin. We demand what was source for the goose is source for the gander. Back then in 1994, it was ok for rebel leader Babili Jammeh to demand Jawara must go because he had overstayed. Similarly, today we the citizens of Gambia are demanding Jammeh must not be on the ballot because he has overstayed.
GIVE A DOG A BONE IS OK FOR DOGS. AS GAMBIANS WE GO TO ELECTIONS WITHOUT YAYA JAMMEH ON THE BALLOT!!
IF PRESIDENT JAMMEH MUST STAY ON THE BALLOT THEN WE MUST GO TO THE STREETS!!
Dr. SAMUEL . B . ARTLEY, DMD. FAGD.